Phil Carlson made a headline-grabbing start to his career with a hundred for Queensland at the age of 18, and in the following seasons he scored consistently, but was unable to break his way into a powerful Australian side. Tall, upright, and technically sound, Carlson was an excellent driver of the ball as well as being a good slip fielder. In 1977-78 he made 591 runs at 45.46, and in 1978-79 added 448 at 40.33. With Australia on the ropes without their World Series rebels, he made his debut against England in 1978-79, but in a side in freefall, he was undone by quick bowling and managed only 23 runs in four innings. His four one-day appearances, also that season, produced 11 runs. He played for two more seasons - without any real success - before retiring.
Martin Williamson (July 2004)